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Why Do Resumes Matter?

The way in which we write resumes is starting to evolve. They are less like a professional profile, more like a professional marketing tool – and
your expertise is the commodity.

A resume is your education, experience, skills, and accomplishments outlined for a
prospective employer. Resumes are normally the first impression you are making on
an employer. More so, the information on your resume should support the similarities
between yourself and the candidate they are seeking.

Here's Some Tips

Short and sweet. Resumes are clear, concise, and free of errors. The entries are written in scannable
chunks, expressing relevant experience in action phrases alongside resultant skills
and substantiating accomplishments

Every line should pull some serious weight. Be brief while being descriptive. Use keywords to highlight the essential qualifications
you possess. Translate experience into skills and outcomes.

Flaunt community service and extracurricular activities. Every college graduate received a diploma. What else did you do in college to set you apart from your competitors? What have you done since college?

Customize your resume for each position. Your resume should assert that you are the best candidate for the position. Research
the position and the organization. Consider the persona you are projecting.

Exaggerating your abilities tarnishes your integrity. Anything you include on your resume, you should be prepared to elaborate on. Focus
on the marketable skills you possess that the employer desires.

Provide your online presence. The use of the Internet and social media is now important in almost every profession.
First, consider the professionalism of your online presence. Then, include anything
that may be relevant and demonstrates your work, as well as your individuality, such
as a blog or website.

Recognize the modernization of resumes. This is also known as a graphic resume. They are not widespread, but they could be
especially beneficial under appropriate circumstances.

Section Breakdown

Objective - a declarative statement informing employer what type of position you are seeking

Skills – list any technical skills, languages you speak, or systems/programs that you are
proficient in

Certifications – any kind of professional training or certification that is job related should be
listed here

Work experience – list previous work experiences. Try and think of unique ways to phrase your experience
and add any kind of statistics that you can. EX: Instead of saying "Server at Oliver Garden, bussed tables, took orders, refilled
drinks, and served pasta". The employer more than likely knows what servers do at
Olive Garden. Try something like this, "Server at Olive Garden, trained new employees,
chosen to assist manager 3 months after starting, up-sold beverage sales by 14% in
July 2012".

Activities/Community Service – List any activities, organizations or clubs that you are in. Be sure to list if
you have any leadership roles and how long you have been in the organization. After
your freshman year of college, high school activities are no longer valid.

Honors/Awards – This is where you should list any awards or academic achievements with a brief
description if you are not able to tell by the name. EX: "Recipient of Robin S. Lee Scholarship, awarded to students who have a GPA higher
than 3.75 and exhibit outstanding leadership."

References – Note "References Available Upon Request" at the bottom of the resume. You should still have a separate word document that
has at least 3 references listed with name, phone number, title, relationship, and
best time to reach them. Always consult with that individual to confirm that you may
provide their information as a reference.

Would You Write a Cover Letter?

To Whom It May Concern: You Should.

A cover letter can set you apart from all the other applicants, even more so than
your resume. In a few brief paragraphs, ask yourself and answer the following questions:

How you heard about this opportunity? This comes from reading a job posting, conversing with an associate, or admiring endeavors
of the organization. You could include what about the opportunity interests you.

Why you are the best fit for this position? Now, you get to really sell yourself. Present why you are best for this position.
Elaborate on the information provided in your resume. Focus on the outcomes, examples,
and details of your experience.

What action do you hope comes from this interaction? The purpose of this process is to acquire further contact. Provide some contact information,
and then encourage further interaction by asking for an interview or by maintaining
that you will follow-up.

Write a Draft and Let Us Review It

It is a FREE service we offer at our MASH desk for students and alumni.

Walk in appointments are welcome by coming to DSU 2001.

If you'd prefer to make an appointment, you may do so by calling 270-745-3095.

You are welcome to email your resumes to CareerHelp@wku.edu. Critiques are usually completed within 48 business hours.